Western appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1885-18??, 1887-09-24
E M ANCl PATlON DAY
The Colored People of the Great
Northwest join in Cele-
brating it's 20 Anniver-
sary at the Great
Minneapolis Exposition.

For the past three weeks the WESTERN
APPEAL has had considerable to say
about the celebration OF the tWenty-ffth
anniversary Of the issuance of the
Emancipation Proclamation and it was
with no little pride that we witnessed
the grand success of the celebration last
Thursday, as the large attendance OF
Colored People gave the gratifying evil
dence that the APPEAL is read by our
people throughout the Northwest. The
was delightful, a typical Minnesota day,
neither too cool nor too warm, but just
right. 1t seemed that the weather
clerk had taken especial pains to tur-
nish just the sort OF weather that was
needed to allow all who telt disposed to
celebrate the day SO traught with inter-
est to us without tear OF rain. AS soOL,
as the doors OF the great exposition
were opened, tllrongs Of Colored Peo-
pie from all parts of the state and many
from adjoining states, began to crowd ID
and they continued to do SO until alter
spent in seeing the marvellous produc-
ton of mans skill, which I'LL the i'm
mense structure. At o'clock Liber-
atl's magnificent band began to pour
forth its sweet strains and the great
throng gathered around and flleu the
1900 seals around the platform. At 2:3O
the committee OF arrangements, escort
Ing Hon. john Alercer Langston arrived
DIT the exposition. They were met at
Jhe main entrance by Manager G. M.
Palmer who led the way to the plat
form. When the entire party had been
grouped around the st and, photographs
were taken by the eminent, veteran
photographer, Prof. r. T. Ball.
Mr.. K. L. Gray, presl dent OF the day,
stated the object OF the celebration in a
short speech. Rev. w. HI. Morris
invoked Divine blessings in an appro-
pirate, elegant and mastery manner.
Mr.. f. i, Wilson read the Emancipa
ton Proclamation. His enumeration
was distinct and torclble.
Mr.. j. G. Todd then rendered tenor
solo: six feet of ground make us all OF
one size," III manner which won Tor
MIN loud applause. He WAS followed
by quartette Sweet and Low" rend-
cred by Madam W. IA. Clay, Miss Bertha
Heathcock, Mr.. w. A. Hilyard and Mr..
John Luca in their own matchless
style.
Liberati then gave a cornet solo, SUI
vance River" as only he can. Then
came the feature of the occasion the adj
dress by Hon. John Mercer Langston.
Mr.. Langston had paid an informal visit
TO the exposition the day before and he
expressed fears that it would be impos-
sible to make himself keard in the im-
mense building, he therefor nerved
himself to the highest pitch and it was
simply wonderful to hear his grand
voice overcome all distractions and
reach the very outside of the vast
throng. After the formal introduction
by President Gray he said in substance:
I" Ladies and gentlemen: How can
undertake to address you under these
circumstances? At once interesting to
every white man and every black man
IN this country. Cur constitution never
knew OF any coiol distinction, and it is
subject OF colgratAlation that this land
is covered WITH freedom from the broad
Atlantic to the boundless Pacific. my
self am the owner of myself, and am a
free born American citizen, capable Of
enjoying the manifold privileges Of the
sacred right suffrage, as well as its at.
tendant responsibilities. / have no in
tention of shrinking its responsibilities
but demand ats privileges.
lou and have met before Coming
from thu North, South, East and West,
we We're invited to the city Of brotherly
love, der the shadow Of the caves Of